Zara Qairina's mother refused post-mortem to ease daughter's suffering

SHAH ALAM – In her grief, Noraidah Lamat stood firm in her decision — she wanted her daughter, Zara Qairina Mahathir, to be laid to rest without delay.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that the police asked Noraidah once about conducting a post-mortem on July 17, a day after the tragedy.

Yet, he said the mother did not want the procedure.

“The investigating officer met the victim’s mother and informed her of the need to carry out a post-mortem. At the time, the mother said she wanted to expedite the burial as her child had already suffered enough.

“Here, the police admitted that there was non-compliance with investigation procedures on the part of the officer concerned.

“When the officer informed the mother, she refused and insisted on proceeding with the burial. The doctor on duty at the mortuary at 5pm again met with the mother, but she maintained her decision,” he said during a briefing in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.

The investigation into the tragic death of form one student Zara Qairina Mahathir centres on three key elements, namely bullying, neglect and sexual harassment.

Zara Qairina, a Form One student, was believed to have fallen from the third floor of a religious boarding school building on July 16.

She was found unconscious in a nearby drain and later died while receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (HQEI).

Her death drew nationwide concern, amid allegations of bullying involving senior students at the school.

Saifuddin added that Noraidah later signed a declaration letter to formally reject the post-mortem, witnessed by her sister-in-law.

“The decision was made based on the mother’s wishes and was documented legally.

“The investigating officer fully respected (the mother’s request) at that time.

“According to the Criminal Procedure Code, it is considered non-compliant and the police will take internal action,” he said.

During the Dewan Rakyat session, Saifuddin clarified that Noraidah’s signature on the declaration did not place her in a position of blame.

“Far from suggesting that the mother’s signing of the declaration placed her in a position of blame, I was merely stating the fact that the investigating officer erred and his intention was to ease the mother’s burden and expedite the burial process.

“However, that action will not be defended and the Criminal Investigation Department has decided to take follow-up action,” he said.